An Enthusiast eBike Blog

Bosch Introduces 28 MPH Bottom Bracket Motor

The Bosch “Drive Unit 45″ is the 45 kmh (27.9 mph) replacement for last years 23 km/h ebike system. 350 Watts of power (500 peak) are used to double the top speed. The Bosch ebike bottom bracket motor now allows power only instead of the pedelec system that amplified human power.

The Unit 45 is said to be maintenance free and water proof and have a range from 40 to 105 Km (24.8 to 65.2) depending on power mode, terrain and human assist level.

Of the 25 companies that use the Bosch system, it is most commonly seen in the Haibike Eq Xduro line of mountain bikes. Obviously bottom bracket clearance is an issue if mounted as pictured but Haibike mounts the Unit upside down.

The system is being introduced this week at Eurobike 2011 and will be integrated into 9 ebikes on the showroom floor. You can bet I will be scouring the web trying to find a picture of each.

See the full press release after the break

“Eurobike 2011″
Bosch presents new eBike drive for speeds of up to 45 km/h

Bosch is debuting its new eBike drive system with the “Drive Unit 45″ at the “Eurobike” international trade show in Friedrichshafen from August 31 to September 3, 2011. Compared with the existing standard drive for speeds of up to 25 km/h, the new drive enables speeds of up to 45 km/h, thereby allowing electric bikers to reach their destinations even faster with plenty of power in reserve.

Nine bike manufacturers are already showcasing their high-speed eBikes with “Drive Unit 45″ at the trade show. The bikes will be launched on the market in 2012, but Bosch is due to start series delivery to bike manufacturers as early as December 2011. This system represents another milestone for Bosch, whose product portfolio now covers the complete range of drive systems for all segments of the fast-growing eBike market.

Off to a smooth start with drive-off support

The new drive-off support feature is exclusive to the new “Drive Unit 45”. No pedal power is required to start the eBike, just the electric drive itself. No matter what gear is selected, it enables speeds of between six and 18 km/h to be reached without muscle power.

Powerful electric motor with energy in reserve

The driving force behind the new drive system is the powerful 350-Watt electric motor, which can generate output as high as 500 Watts for short periods with up to 50 Newton-meters of torque. These values clearly show that there is no shortage of energy reserves for effective thrust, even at high speeds or off-road. All this, and the battery still has a range of between 40 and 105 km depending on mode and terrain.

With outstanding Bosch reliability as standard

The eBike drive from Bosch is powerful, robust and maintenance-free. It is capable of withstanding puddles and rain as well as impact from flying stones when riding off-road.

Bosch engineers were exacting in the development of the drive. Drawing on the experience of the world’s leading automotive supplier, they subjected it to tough environmental conditions such as salt mist, industrial conditions and extreme temperature changes.

High-speed eBikes no longer bicycles in the eyes of the law

Motor-assisted eBikes capable of exceeding 25 km/h are no longer considered bicycles in the eyes of the law in many countries. In Germany, for example, the manufacturer or importer has to obtain model approval (homologation) from TÜV. To ride a high-speed eBike in Germany, the minimum requirements are a moped license and a vehicle plate. What’s more, eBikes can only be used on cycle paths if these have been approved for mopeds.

From the past to the future: 125 years of Bosch

In 2011, the Bosch Group is celebrating its 125th anniversary and the 150th birthday of its founder Robert Bosch. Bosch founded his “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering” in Stuttgart on November 15, 1886, laying the foundation of what today is an internationally successful supplier of technology and services.

Bosch made its first foray into the bicycle market in 1923 with the Bosch bicycle light. This light proved very successful, with more than 20 million units produced up to and including the 1960s.

In 2010, Bosch once again turned its hand to the bicycle with its eBike drive system – consisting of a drive unit, computer and battery pack including charger. Bosch supplies this system to bike manufacturers who then sell eBikes on the market. Following its market launch in 2010, 14 manufacturers presented eBikes with the Bosch drive system. Now, as we approach Eurobike 2011, 25 bicycle manufacturers use the Bosch system, a reflection of the company’s experience as a versatile series supplier. And they do so with great success – the winner of the most recent eBike test comparison by Stiftung Warentest (8/2011 issue) also uses a Bosch drive system.

2 Comments.

Does your bottom bracket pedal assist motor come on it’s own to be mounted on ny bike? Or does it comd with your bike? How much does it cost. I live 30 miles from work. Will it make it? Will it charge in time to go home. What is the warrantee? Is there a US distribution center?